Navigation system and methods for generating enhanced search results

ABSTRACT

A navigation system and various methods of using the system are described herein. Search query results are refined by the system and are prioritized based at least in part upon sub-search categories selected during the searching process. Sub-searches can be represented by graphical icons displayed on the user interface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/345,439, filed on Dec. 29, 2008, titled Navigation System andMethods for Generating Enhanced Search Results, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for guidednavigation. More particularly, the present invention relates tonavigation systems and methods for generating enhanced search queryresults when operating navigation systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Navigation systems are known for identifying and displaying a desiredgeographic location, as illustrated on a map, as well as computing aroute from a current location to a desired location. These systems arecommonly found on automotive vehicles as well as encompassed withinhand-held devices. It is often the case that navigation systems provideinformation relating to points of interest (POI), such as shopping,food, and business related locations. However, voluminous search queryresults are typically generated, which is inefficient and oftenineffective for providing information relating to POIs. It would beadvantageous for a navigation system to efficiently provide enhancedsearch query results for more effective searching. It would be furtheradvantageous for a navigation system to provide sub-searchingcapabilities for refining search results and therefore providing moreeffective searching.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a navigation system is provided. Thesystem includes a graphical user interface configured for receiving anddisplaying travel related data, a database containing geographic relateddata and a search engine. The search engine is configured to perform aprocess for providing search query results. The process includesinitiating a search query, generating a list of results based upon thesearch query and prioritizing the results. Additional steps includedisplaying the list in the interface based at least in part upon theprioritizing and providing sub-search categories for focusing theprioritized results.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for conveying enhancedsearch query results with a navigation system is provided. The stepsinclude initiating a search query based at least in part upon a finaldestination, accessing a database configured for storing geographicinformation and generating a list of destination results based at leastin part upon the search query. Additional steps include prioritizing thelist based at least in part upon travel related information, displayingthe prioritized results on a navigation system graphical interface andproviding pre-determined sub-searching categories for narrowing theprioritized list of results based at least in part upon one or morepredetermined categories.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a navigation system thatfacilitates conveying enhanced query results is provided. The systemincludes an interface component that receives a query corresponding togeographical destination and a visual component that employs a searchresult based at least in part upon the query. The search results areprioritized based upon travel related data and a sub-search category.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of conveying searchquery results is provided. The method includes initiating a search querybased at least in part upon a final destination, accessing a database,generating a list of intermediary destination results based at least inpart upon the search query and displaying the list on a graphicalinterface. Additional steps include, selecting at least one of asub-search category icons displayed on the graphical interface anddisplaying a list of destination results based at least in part upon thesub-search category icon selected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing a navigation system according toat least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram representing a process for generating searchquery results according to at least one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary system graphical interface according to at leastone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary system graphical interface according to at leastone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary system graphical interface according to at leastone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary system graphical interface according to at leastone embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram representing a process for prioritizing searchquery results according to at least one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an exemplary navigation system10 is provided. The navigation system 10 includes a user interface 12, atravel database 14, and a search engine 16. The system 10 can be a smartphone, mobile computing device, affixed within a vehicle, or anothersuitable configuration. The interface 12 has a graphic display 18 andmanual data entry keypad 20, which is generally known in the art andsuitable for the present system 10. Alternatively, the interface 12 canhave a touch screen, QWERTY style keypad, wireless data entry, or voiceactivation and recognition. The travel database 14 is a relationaldatabase accessed by the search engine 16. The travel database 14includes travel related information, including, but not limited to maps,destinations, attractions, historical travel information and othertravel related data. Data provided within the database 14 is utilizedfor generating travel routes and providing suggested travel destinationsbased at least in part upon a user's search query and travel relateddata described further below. The search engine 16 is a processingdevice that is configured to execute computer executable code.Alternatively, the search engine 16 is a microprocessor.

The database 14 includes information relating to geographical roadwaysand routes. A variety of commercially available databases containing mapand atlas related information are suitable. It is contemplated that thedatabase 14 includes additional information that is relevant to the userand previously performed search queries. By example, additionalinformation can include sociological data, such as neighborhood crimerates, ethnicity demographics and average household incomes, andindustrial data, such as type of businesses, shopping related data, andpotentially hazardous industrial locations. Additionally, the generationof sociological and industrial profiles for neighborhoods or geographicregions is contemplated. Values assigned to various data within eachprofile can affect the prioritization and ranking of search queryresults. Utilizing the database 14, the search engine 16 can perform areverse address search to identify businesses and other points ofinterest (POI) within close proximity of the current location. Theinterface 12 can be programmed to prompt a user to identify the currentlocation by the POI visited. If a user identifies one or more POIs theinformation is updated within the database 14. Alternatively, resultshaving a higher ranking than the result chosen by a user are alsorecorded in the database 14 and can be assigned a lower ranking if thesame search query is subsequently performed.

The database 14 can also include information relating to previous traveland other behavior selections and circumstances encountered by one ormore users in the past. Such information can be conceptually identifiedas separate, including geographic travel related historical data andcontextual travel related historical data. The contextual travel relateddata includes information selected from the group including frequency ofdestination visits, search query time, time-of-day associated withprevious search queries, current directional travel, weather conditions,traffic conditions, current time of day and frequency of current route.Contextual travel related historical data can also include informationstored within the database 14 that represents associations and/orinferences extrapolated from historical and non-historical related data.The historical database can include information selected from the groupcomprising previous search queries, prior travel routes, prior locationsvisited, type of prior location visited and deviation distance fromroute for previously chosen locations. Additionally, the database 14 caninclude previous destination specific information, which can affect theranking and prioritization of that particular result. By example, theoperating hours of a previously visited business is stored in thedatabase 14. If the search query is performed outside of the business'operating hours, or the estimated time of travel to the destinationadded to query time would be outside of the operating hours, then thedestination is given a lower rank or removed from the resultscompletely.

Travel database 14 data can also be harvested from a mobile device, suchas cell phones, smart phones, PDAs, computers, and other electronic datastoring devices. A wireless connection, such as Bluetooth, or wiredconnection provides access to information for use in prioritizing searchqueries. By example, previously dialed numbers and frequency of callsmade and received can be stored in the database 14 and used forprioritizing search results. Additionally, location and travelinformation from calls made or received from a mobile phone iscontemplated. Higher call frequency associated with a particular numberand location can affect the prioritization by assigning a higher rank toresults in closer proximity to that particular location. The database 14can generate associations between different types of data and generateinferences, which can affect prioritization of search results, basedupon the associations. By example, a search for “Motorola Phone”resulted in a user traveling to “Best Buy”. If the same search isperformed at a subsequent time, results similar to “Best Buy” will beprioritized based upon the inference made from the previous search. Itis contemplated that a mobile device, such as a Bluetooth enabled cellphone, can be used to identify a user, which the system 10 associateswith stored historical data. Alternatively, a user can input theiridentity manually through the interface 12.

Now referring to FIG. 2 an exemplary process is provided for executionof enhanced sub-search queries. The system 10 is initiated at step 22and a user provides a desired final destination to the interface 12 atstep 24. A route from the present location to the final destination isgenerated at step 26, based at least in part upon information from thetravel database 14. At step 28, a destination search query is initiatedby a user. Based upon the search query, the system 10 accesses thedatabase 14 at step 30. Alternatively, the system 10 can access morethan one database concurrently or in sequence and/or on a repeated basisfor generating a list of POIs. After accessing the database at step 30,a list of intermediary search results is generated at step 32. Thegenerated list is then prioritized at step 34 and displayed at step 36.A decision whether to select one of the intermediary destinations in thelist is performed at step 38. If an intermediary destination is chosenat step 38, then an intermediary route is generated at step 38 and theprocess terminates at step 42. In the event that a selection is notmade, a determination whether to initiate a sub-search occurs at step44. If a sub-search is not initiated, then the process reverts to step28. If a sub-search is initiated then a sub-search category is selectedat step 46 and a POI/destination list is generated at step 48 based atleast in part upon the particular category selected. If aPOI/destination is selected from the list, then an enhanced route, basedat least in part upon the category selection, is generated at step 52and the process is terminated at step 42. In the event that aPOI/destination is not selected at step 50, then the process reverts tostep 46. If the process reverts to step 46 and a different category isselected, the new list is generated based at least in part upon thesecond category selected and not based upon the first categoryselection.

Employing sub-search categories is a unique method of refiningnavigation system search queries that provide even more pertinentresults for users based upon their inputs, desired travel and POIdestinations. After a search has been performed, sub-search categoriesare made available as input buttons 20 on the display 18. Alternatively,categories can be provided in a variety of known methods through thedisplay 18.

Now referring to FIGS. 3-6, exemplary interfaces 12 are provided. As anexample, the first exemplary interface (FIG. 3) represents a search for“Libertyville, Ill.” and all restaurants within a 10 mile radius. Asindicated, there are 21 results that are listed on the interface. Afterselecting Libertyville, Ill. as the current location the restaurantcategory icon 54 was selected, resulting in the search results shown.The exemplary interface 12 includes a restaurant icon 54, a fuel sourceicon 56, a parking location icon 58, and arts and entertainment icon 60and a lodging icon 62. The restaurant icon 54, when selected, provides asub-search that refines search results and presents a list ofrestaurants and eating establishments within a default radius. Thedefault radius can be changed based upon a user's preferences.Similarly, the parking icon 58 provides a refined search, which focusesthe search results based upon parking locations in close proximity tothe search selection, or all of the results in the search list. The artsand entertainment icon 60 provides a refined sub-search, when selected,for POIs that pertain to performing arts, entertainment and traditionalart POIs. Pre-determined icons can be associated with various searchresults such that the search list includes one or more icons displayedalong side, or in proximity to, the search result in the list.

Additionally, the interface 12 includes a home selector 64, a scroll upselector 66 and a scroll down selector 68. The home selector 64 returnsto a main or home screen when selected. The scroll up selector 66 andthe scroll down selector 68 allow a user to scroll up and down,respectively, through the list of search results.

Based upon the search list provided in FIG. 3, an additional keywordsearch is performed for the term “Risto” (See FIG. 4). Of the 21restaurants in the search list, only 2 meet the criteria searched. Thisrefinement step enables a user to further focus and refine searchqueries to more effectively and quickly find the most pertinent searchresults. After a user finds and selects the preferred search result, thesystem generates a navigational route to the selected search result.

Referring to FIG. 5, a query including the search term “Main St” wasperformed. The interface 12 includes the search results with arepresentative icon to the left of each search result in the list. Theicon is representative of the category within which the search result isassociated. In the present exemplary interface 12 a next list icon 70 isprovided, which allows a user to view additional category icons forsub-search refinement. Referring to FIG. 6, additional icons areprovided, including a religious worship icon 72, an educationalinstitution icon 74 and a medical services icon 76. Each of these iconsprovided added refinement for search queries.

Search categories include any named element within the travel database14. By example, named categories can include streets, subdivisions,neighborhoods, parks, lakes, rivers and alternative categories.Additionally, categories defined in the taxonomy as POIs in the database14 are included. Furthermore, meta-categories that are encompassingmultiple existing categories can be searched. By example, “Asian Food”is a meta-category that can include Chinese, Japanese and Thai food.

It is contemplated that the navigation system 10 search refinement canbe obtained in several different processes. By example, an alternativemethod of search refinement includes obtaining focused or refined searchresults after sub-searching a category or multiple categories. Thecombination of multiple categories, by example, can be based upon dataelements within the database 14 that have a logical relationship orbelong to more than one category. Alternatively, the relationshipbetween data elements can be spatial, such as the physical proximitybetween two destinations. A relevancy factor can be applied to thedestinations based upon their relative proximity.

In an alternative embodiment, a user can conduct a sub-search throughpre-defined or user-selected keywords. The system 10 includes a look-uptable as part of the database 14 that associates the keyword with aparticular category or meta-category search. This is particularly usefulas users often loosely mix the content of the search criteria, such as“Wine & Liquor Store” or “Bread & Bakery”. The search results caninclude both direct matches as well as substitution matches. Directmatches have a higher priority, and therefore substitution matches bydefault, which can be changed, are shown when there are a limited numberof direct matches.

Referring to FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of the process isprovided. The method is initiated at step 78 and a user provides adesired final destination to the interface 12 at step 80. The searchquery is initiated at step 82. A search query list is displayed on theinterface 12 at step 84. A sub-search is then initiated at step 86. Adecision whether to select a search category from the default list isperformed at step 88. If a default category is not selected, then thenext list icon 70 is selected at step 90 and a category from anadditional list is identified at step 92. A sub-search category isselected at step 94. In the event that a default category is desired,then the category is selected at step 94. A list of refined search queryresults is generated at step 96. A determination is made at step 98whether to select one of the destinations in the list. If a result isnot selected, then the process reverts to step 82. In the event that aresult is selected then a determination is made whether to furtherrefine the search query list with a second category at step 100. If asecond category is selected, then a new list is generated at step 102and the user selects one or more destinations from the revised list atstep 104. An enhanced route is generated at step 106, based at least inpart upon the sub-searching categories selected. The process terminatesat step 108.

It is contemplated that more than two sub-search categories can beselected for searching purposes. A user can utilize the sub-searchingcategories to highly refine a search query based upon particular andspecific searching criteria and desired results. Alternatively, mixedcategories can be predefined or created on the fly by a user and/or thesystem 10. As an example, a mixed category such as “Gas Station” and“Food” could be automatically generated by the system 10 based upon aprevious proximity search for a gas station and restaurant.

The final destination route can be analyzed based upon contextualinformation, such as the approximate distance or estimated length oftime and type of driving (By example, Interstate, County Highway, orCity Roadway). Query results are prioritized based at least in part uponthe route context and sub-search categories selected. By example, alonger route on the Interstate can prioritize fast-food restaurantslocated proximal to the Interstate higher than a five-star restaurantlocated distal to the Interstate. If a lodging sub-search category wasselected, then the results would be further prioritized based uponlodging proximity and predetermined lodging specifics.

An intermediary destination is a location other than a location at thetime of generating the search and the final destination. Theintermediary location can be located proximal or distal to the finaldestination route. Once an intermediary location is selected and a routeis generated, the final destination route is recalculated based upon theintermediary location. Traffic information, road construction, preferredroutes, and alternative roadway information can be utilized ingenerating prioritized route. A user can optionally select alternativemethods of transportation, such as walking or bicycle travel, which canalter the route accordingly.

Alternatively, a method of conveying search query results includesinitiating a search query based at least in part upon a finaldestination. The final destination is selected by a user. Afterselecting the target or final destination a travel database is accessed.The database includes historical travel related information andcontextual travel related information. A list of intermediarydestination results is generated based at least in part upon the searchquery, historical travel related information, contextual travel relatedinformation and sub-searching categories. After the intermediary resultshave been generated they are displayed within a graphical interface,such as one provided by a mobile navigation system. The user can selectany of the intermediary destinations, which are distinct from a currentlocation and the final destination. The database can be accessedremotely, such as through a GPS or other wireless method, or thedatabase can be integral to the navigation system. Databases integral toa navigation device can be regularly updated through wired or wirelesscommunication with a supplied database (not shown). The database 14information is logically associated with the respective sub-searchcategories.

In an alternative embodiment, the system 10 allows a user to provide asearch query to the interface 12 representing a combination of searchcriteria. The query is proofed by the search engine 16 for typos ormisspellings, and alternative keywords are suggested if a discrepancy isdiscovered. The combined search query can be compared with more than onedatabase sequentially or concurrently. A list of POIs are provided basedin part upon the keywords selected, proximity metrics to a finaldestination and the structure associated with the databases. The searchquery can be referred to as an unstructured search query, which providesflexibility and greater ease of use.

To further consider the system and methods described herein, severalsearch query examples are provided. These are merely exemplary and notintended to limit the scope of the claims provided herein. It is furthercontemplated that the invention can encompass a variety of otherscenarios.

Search Query Example 1

At approximately 6:00 A.M. on a Wednesday during the winter a userenters a vehicle in downtown Chicago, Ill. and enters a search queryincluding the keyword “Fast food” and selects an option for closeproximity to a final destination, which is identified as “work”. Thesearch engine identifies the search query and compares the query tohistorical query information contained within one or more databases.After the comparison is complete the search engine generates aprioritized list of fast food destination within close proximity to theuser's preferred route to work. “Dunkin Donuts” is at the top of thelist, followed by several other fast food restaurants, as well asadditional Dunkin Donut locations. The user presses the sub-searchingicon that represents available parking in close proximity to the queryresults. A new list is generated that refines the list based uponavailable parking. The search engine also identified the user'scontextual information, including location upon query initiation, timeof day, day of week and season. After comparing the database with theuser's query and contextual information, it was identified that the userhad traveled to Dunkin Donuts 12 previous times during the work week, atapproximately 6:00 A.M., during the winter while on his way to workafter initiating the same or similar query. The user had previouslytraveled to “Starbucks” only 3 times, and therefore this location hadbeen assigned a lower priority value. In the immediate case, a DunkinDonut location without available parking was placed towards the bottomof the list, even though it was closer to the desired route. The userselects a Dunkin Donut location that is closest to the desired route andthat has convenient available parking in close proximity.

Search Query Example 2

A search is initiated containing the keywords “Restaurants in Chicago.”After initiating the query a database is accessed and a comparison ofthe keywords is performed with respect to information contained within adatabase having historical travel data. A list of restaurants in Chicagois provided ranked by the frequency of visits to a particularrestaurant, the day of week and time of day associated with the currentquery and prior visits to the results. Traffic data can be collectedbased upon the time of day and day of week to minimize the travel timeto a location, and the list can be prioritized based upon the estimatedtravel time. Combination of historical, contextual and trafficinformation relating to a particular search query can provide a list ofenhanced search results. The search results represent a list ofpotential intermediary destinations. The user selects an arts andentertainment icon to further refine the list. In the present case,performing arts and entertainment venues in close proximity to therestaurants in the search list are provided. A user is then able toselect a performing arts venue that is conveniently located in closeproximity to the Chicago restaurant they desire. It is conceived that aninitial and final destination are one in the same, while theintermediary destination is a target destination within a round-triptravel sequence.

Search Query Example 3

A search query is initiated for a brand of navigation systems, such as“Motorola.” The search is performed and a generated list of possiblebusinesses offering Motorola® navigation systems for sale is provided.The businesses can include electronic stores, department stores,travel-specific businesses, and alternative locations that carryMotorola® products. Businesses are prioritized based upon frequency ofvisit, location proximity, and other contextual and historicalinformation. Searching for a preferred brand, such as Motorola®navigation systems, will return businesses that are associated withselling and servicing the preferred product brand. A user can furtherrefine the search results based upon the need to obtain fuel for theirvehicle. A fuel source icon is selected, which focuses the results listbased upon fuel sources that are in close proximity to the user'scurrent location and that provide the most efficient route to the searchresults on the list.

It is specifically intended that the present invention not be limited tothe embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but rather that thepresent invention also include modified forms of those embodimentsincluding portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements ofdifferent embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims.

1. A navigation system comprising: a graphical user interface configuredfor receiving and displaying travel related data; a database containingtravel related data; a search engine configured to perform a process forproviding search query results, the process comprising the steps of:initiating a search query, generating a list of results based upon thesearch query; prioritizing the results, displaying the list in theinterface based at least in part upon the prioritizing and providingsub-search categories for focusing the prioritized results.
 2. Thenavigation system according to claim 1, wherein the travel related dataincludes information selected from the group comprising frequency ofdestination visits, search query time, time-of-day associated withprevious search queries, current directional travel, weather conditions,traffic conditions, current time of day and frequency of current route.3. The navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the graphicaluser interface includes a plurality of sub-search icons.
 4. Thenavigation system according to claim 2, wherein search results areprioritized and listed based at least in part upon previous travel andquery selections.
 5. The navigation system according to claim 3, whereinthe sub-search icons represent pre-determined categories.
 6. Thenavigation system according to claim 3, wherein the pre-determinedcategories are selected from the group comprising fuel filling station,restaurant, parking, arts and entertainment, lodging, religious worshipstructure, educational structure, medical services business, keywordsand meta-categories.
 7. The navigation system according to claim 5,wherein the pre-determined categories, when selected, narrow theprioritized search results based at least in part upon a desireddestination.
 8. The navigation system according to claim 6, wherein thesub-search icons graphically represent the category for which they areassociated.
 9. For use in conjunction with a navigation system, a methodfor conveying enhanced search query results comprising the steps of:initiating a search query based at least in part upon a finaldestination; accessing a database configured for storing geographicrelated information; generating a list of destination results based atleast in part upon the search query; prioritizing the list based atleast in part upon travel related information; displaying theprioritized results on a navigation system graphical interface; andproviding pre-determined sub-searching categories for narrowing theprioritized list of results based at least in part upon one or morepredetermined categories.
 10. The method according to claim 9, whereinthe prioritizing is determined at least in part upon the frequency ofvisits associated with each of the search results.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 9, wherein the prioritizing is determined at least inpart by the distance associated with a predetermined final destination.12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the geographic informationincludes roadway information.
 13. The method according to claim 9,wherein pre-determined sub-searching categories are selected from thegroup comprising fuel filling station, restaurant, parking, arts andentertainment, lodging, religious worship structure, educationalstructure and medical services business.
 14. A navigation system thatfacilitates conveying enhanced query results, comprising: an interfacecomponent that receives a query corresponding to geographicaldestination; and a visual component that displays a search result basedat least in part upon the query, wherein search results are prioritizedbased upon travel related data and at least one sub-search category. 15.A method of conveying search query results comprising the steps of:initiating a search query based at least in part upon a finaldestination; accessing a database; generating a list of intermediarydestination results based at least in part upon the search query;displaying the list on a graphical interface; initiating a sub-searchbased at least in part upon a selection of at least one sub-searchcategory icons displayed on the graphical interface; and displaying alist of destination results based at least in part upon the sub-searchcategory icon selected.
 16. The method according to claim 15, whereinthe graphical interface is a navigation system.
 17. The method accordingto claim 15, wherein a sub-search category is selected before the searchquery initiating step.
 18. The method according to claim 15, wherein thesub search categories are selected from the group comprising fuelfilling station, restaurant, parking, arts and entertainment, lodging,religious worship structure, educational structure and medical servicesbusiness.
 19. The method according to claim 15, further comprising thestep of selecting a second sub-category.
 20. The method according toclaim 19, wherein a default set of sub-search categories and/ormeta-categories are displayed on the graphical interface.